Remote-control style button reduces fatigue The Metrologic MS5145 Eclipse is a single-line, handheld laser scanner. Equipped with Metrologic's patented CodeGate, the MS5145 Eclipse can be used in a wide variety of applications. CodeGate allows the user to easily target the desired barcode and complete the data transmission with a simple press of a button. This combination makes the Metrologic MS5145 Eclipse a perfect selection for menu scanning, point-of-sale, document processing and inventory control.

This is an experiment board system for basic data acquisition. It can process analog signals of DC voltage 0 to +5V and convert them into digital data which is sent to a computer via parallel port interface. This data is then monitored by its graphic-user-interface based software.

Experimenters will learn about DAQ concepts and create their own experiments the DAQ experimental software. This kit is suitable for anyone who has interest in DAQ system. Visual programming knowledge is highly recommended.

Friday, August 21, 2009

The SRF02 is a single transducer ultrasonic rangefinder in a small footprint PCB. It features both I2C and a Serial interfaces. The serial interface is a standard TTL level UART format at 9600 baud,1 start, 2 stop and no parity bits, and may be connected directly to the serial ports on any microcontroller. Up to 16 SRF02's may be connected together on a single bus, either I2C or Serial. New commands in the SRF02 include the ability to send an ultrasonic burst on its own without a reception cycle, and the ability to perform a reception cycle without the preceding burst. This has been as requested feature on our sonar's and the SRF02 is the first to see its implementation. Because the SRF02 uses a single transducer for both transmission and reception, the minimum range is higher than our other dual transducer rangers. The minimum measurement range is around 15cm (6 inches). Like all our rangefinders, the SRF02 can measure in uS, cm or inches.

There's no shortage of fun with the amazing i-SOBOT, the World's Smallest Robot. Packed with over 200 words and phrases, and more than 200 pre-programmed movements, this robot can do everything from saying goodbye to dancing the hula. Recommended for kids aged 10 and up, the i-SOBOT is ready to rock 'n' roll right out of the box.

The i-Sobot offers up to 220 degrees of movement.
Smooth Robotic Movement With unbelievably smooth robotics, the i-SOBOT walks more like a human than a robot. This fully-functional and fully-assembled robot features 17 custom designed actuators and gyro-sensor, allowing it to keep balance and freely move joints for impressive performance, vivid movement, and incredible flexibility. Other main components include a built-in speaker unit and built-in microphone with a voice recognition chip. With built-in clutches and metal gears, the i-SOBOT offers up to 220-degree movement. The two infrared transmission bands allow the robot to be operated with an LCD remote control.

Robots Moves From Talking To Dancing Also performing by programmable memory and by the sound of your voice, the i-SOBOT will make your day and impress your friends with his moves.

Putting the meaning back into "action-packed," the 6.5-inch tall robot dances to the beat, does push-ups and somersaults, imitates animals, hula dances, plays air guitar, kicks and punches with sound effects, and even responds to applause. Not only does the i-SOBOT talk with a vocabulary of 200 words and phrases, it also plays its own music.

Product Description

He might be pocket-sized, but this miniature high-tech humanoid robot packs a huge punch. i-SOBOT is a 6.5-inch biped bot that's fully articulated, features voice command recognition and can speak a vocabulary of over 200 words and phrases. What's more, he can dance, perform his own special karate moves complete with self sound effects, and can motor forwards, backward, side-to-side or diagonally. He'll even lay down when he's had enough - and get back up again when it's time to go.

i-SOBOT is powered by 17 customs developed servo-motors and 19 integrated circuit chips. He features a built-in gyro sensor and comes fully assembled, ready for action. He can be controlled in a variety of ways: by pre-programmed actions, user programmed actions (done easily with the LCD remote control), or by real-time remote control or voice commands. Robot requires 3 "AAA" rechargeable batteries; remote requires 4 "AAA" Measures 6.5" tall.

EasyPRO 800 / EasyPRO 500 a series universal programmer.
EasyPRO a major technological breakthrough, from performance to appearance to You! A new experience, great prices and competitive advantage all over the country's sales and service network is the only option for you. Sharpen up from Jianfeng Bao: With long-term accumulation of experience, consistent focus over the years, strong technology capacity, after three years.

Design of continuous improvement and the test of rigorous testing, EasyPRO800/500 to achieve new breakthroughs in the wide, high-speed, strong stability, broad support ...

Superior technology, flexible design: the leading pin detection, automatic restart function Insert become more efficient and convenient operation, the real achievement of the program.

Temporal database programming storage by the host computer, just download the free software upgrade, a flexible PC software designed to bring the unlimited potential of programmer, to adapt to future development.

Features

Top Block Lock import: choose the most inexpensive price, feel the most comfortable, the quality of the most reliable brand of the United States

"ARIES"'s 48PIN Locking Block, in order to make products more user-friendly, users better placed chip programmer to improve the speed, I would lock the handle to seat the "Left Edge and longer. "

Leading design: lessons of the 3 years to create electronic products mold shell to open the experience of the industry into a new design ideas and concepts, From the point of view of ergonomics should pay more attention to human nature, and form a more fluid appearance.

Leading technical support: learn the advantages of the world's most advanced programmer, through continuous improvement and testing, research the reliability of the device characteristics and circuit Start a new program designed to control the circuit and well-designed 4 layer circuit boards, the circuit self-generated noise to a minimum, At the same time ensure that every operating point control circuit waveform accuracy to achieve the goal of reliable chip programmer.

Built high-speed processors, timing programmer do not rely on PC, to ensure that the precise timing and high programming speed programming.

48PIN-pin-wide drive to achieve universal and can be used for data bus, address bus, control bus, bus driver and the programming voltage contact pin does not Good measurement of a dedicated bus, such as, programming voltage, I / O port with the core-level change, automatic adaptation.

System default 500mA over-current protection circuit to prevent accidents completely; if there are special needs, over-current tolerance can be user Amend. At the same time, the port has a master chip over-voltage protection circuit to effectively prevent high-pressure at the time of the impact of programming.

Adapter without the use of expensive direct support 1.8V low-voltage block device, and program stability and reliable performance.

Using USB interface, fast and reliable, great save system resources to ensure that programming at the same time the barrier-free to run other programs.

Pin detection: reliable detection of the anti-chip interpolation, interpolation wrong and bad films, to enhance the burning of the OTP chip yield can be with any country Comparable to a time when well-known programmer.

The new Heron has been developed by Datalogic in order to satisfy all requirements at the POS, providing high performance and an innovative design suitable for small retail POS applications. The new Heron, based on the " Instinctive Reading Distance " concept (from near contact to over 20cm), includes the "green spot" (Datalogic patent application), which provides "good reading" feedback directly on the code, where the user usually tends to be looking.

Servo Ramping. 63 ramp rates (0.75 - 60 seconds) allows the user to set the speed of each servo on a per-move basis. You may choose one of 63 ramp rates for each servo.

The ramping function allows you to individually set the speed of each servo. With ramping, you can tell the servo where to go, and just how fast to get there. The result is true, “set-it and forget-it” functionality.

Speed range for 0 - 180 degrees of rotation is 0.75 second to 60 seconds.

Position Reporting. User may request position of an individual servo at any time. This command allows you to request the position of a servo channel, be it stationary or on the move.

Network Ready. Two modules may be linked together to drive 32 servos at the same time. It is possible to network two ZX-SERVO16 boards together to control up to 32 servos.

Simply use a second 3-Conductor cable to daisy chain two ZX-SERVO16 boards together as shown in the documentation. The presence of a shunt differentiates between Unit 0 (channels 0-15) and Unit 1 ( channels 16-31).

Serial Command Format. ZX-SERVO16 supports several commands that are sent to it via RS-232 serial protocol. The voltage swing of this serial line is 0-5 VDC (TTL level). Each serial command must be preceded with an exclamation point, “!”, and the pair of letters, “SC”.

Product description:
This is a robotic model best suited for learning to simulate the hexapod’s movement through the careful manipulation of the mini-servo motor on each of its six legs. Through careful studying and programming, one can simulate the various movement of a hexapod such as slow walking, fast running, turning left and right, 360 turning, etc. It will also enable one to program the animal to walk on various ground surfaces to experience the movement changes needed to enable the animal to move on these various surfaces.

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

The SPA1210 speakers are a great way to share and enjoy music for MP3, PC, TV, CD & more. Great looking and with a deep bass sound that you would not have thought possible from such a compact enclosure.

The QuickScan QS2500 Linear Imager Handheld scanner is ideal for retail, office, and light-industrial applications. The QS2500's 200 scans-per-second linear imager scan engine provides snappy reading performance and a mid-range depth-of- field (up to 8.0" / 20.3 cm). The QS2500 also reads poorly printed barcode labels quickly and easily. The QS2500 is capable of reading a wide range of barcode symbologies, including Reduced Space Symbology (RSS) and PDF417, allowing you flexibility in reading now and in the future. It also features flash memory for easy software upgrades, along with programming and label editing. Its enclosure is lightweight and ergonomic, and has an available hands-free tabletop stand. All units ship with one user's guide.

This bi-directional LS1203 handheld scanner handles all 1D bar codes and is ideal for small retailers. It delivers the functionality, features and reliability needed to improve operational efficiencies from the check-out line to the storeroom. It minimizes manual keying — ensuring accuracy in all customer transactions — and it automates paper-based inventory processes. The device easily integrates multiple interfaces to help ensure connectivity to a host and PC system.

Product Description
Priced to bring excellent brightness and advanced features within reach. It is ideal for a number of applications, especially for education and small - medium business. The control panel is located on the top of the unit and features large user-friendly keys for quick and easy setup. And, maintenance is made easy with Sony's synchronized lamp replacement and filter cleaning at 3000 hours. It allows presenters to display a transcription of the audio portion from video sources to provide interpretive information to viewers who wish to access it.The VPL-ES7 accepts a wide variety of input signals from standard to high definition including composite video, S-Video and analog RGB/component via an HD D-sub 15-pin connector.No need to turn out the lights! The VPL-ES7 delivers a color light output of 2000 lumens, bright enough to be clearly seen in normal room lighting. Listeners can take notes and follow along with handouts.

Password protection helps prevent unauthorized usage. The control panels can be locked preventing inadvertent or unauthorized adjustments. And there's even a Kensington -style lock port for physical locking. Highly portable could mean easily lost, but Sony built in features to protect you.Simply turn off the projector, unplug the power cord and GO! In today's fast pace world, you have to keep moving! The VPL-ES7 displays an 80 inch image from approx. 8 feet away. Get the bigger picture even in a small classroom or cozy conference room!

The Star SP742 combines ease of use, high speed, reliability, an auto-cutter and a compact footprint to provide a value-driven solution. The SP742 is a printer made of a proven technology (Impact Dot matrix) with all the tools that allow you to use it with the latest PC hardware and still using legacy POSsoftware. The SP742 features a swappable communication interface that allows you to upgrade the printer at any time to support USB or Ethernet.

All of the features of the MS9540 Voyager, with the addition of Metrologic's exclusive CodeGate.

The MS9540 Voyager features Metrologic's proprietary CodeGate. CodeGate is an intuitive scanning system that is ideal for all scanning applications, including menu-scanning, Point-of-Sale, document processing, and inventory, just to name a few. All units feature a five year warranty .

The Datalogic QS6500 is Datalogic's newest general purpose handheld scanner, featuring the latest in linear imaging technology. For retail, office, healthcare and light industrial customers looking for a handheld scanner that has premium performance and durability at an affordable price, the QS6500 offers the best price/performance in the market. The Datalogic QS6500 provides many benefits including aggressive scanning performance, an ergonomic enclosure, excellent depth-of-field, snappy 1D and PDF417 barcode reading, bright targeting beam, and superior durability and reliability.

Saturday, August 15, 2009

The PX-700 Microcontroller Programmer is a low-cost development programmer. It is capable of programming most of Microchip’s Flash microcontrollers. It is developed from PICkit2 programmer of Microchip. For specific products supported, see the latest information at Microchip website www.microchip.com.

The PX-700 Microcontroller Programmer Operating System (firmware) can be easily upgraded from the programming software. New device support can be added by updating the operating system. The latest firmware is available on Microchip’s web site at www.microchip.com.

Specification

* Interface with USB port and does not require any external power supply
* Program most PIC/dsPIC microcontrollers either in-circuit (compatible ICD2 jack pin assignment) or in an ZIF socket on board, surface-mount or PLCC adapter.
* 3 LED status (POWER, TARGET and BUSY status)
* Upgradeable Operating System firmware with Software
* Supports microcontrollers :

The Pololu 3pi robot is a complete, high-performance mobile platform featuring two micro metal gearmotors, five reflectance sensors, an 8×2 character LCD, a buzzer, and three user pushbuttons, all connected to a C-programmable ATmega168 or ATmega328 microcontroller. Capable of speeds exceeding 3 feet per second, 3pi is a great first robot for ambitious beginners and a perfect second robot for those looking to move up from non-programmable or slower beginner robots.

The 3pi robot is designed to excel in line-following and maze-solving competitions. It has a small size (9.5 cm/3.7" diameter, 83 g/2.9 oz without batteries) and takes just four AAA cells (not included), while a unique power system runs the motors at a constant 9.25 V independent of the battery charge level. The regulated voltage allows the 3pi to reach speeds up to 100 cm/second while making precise turns and spins that don’t vary with the battery voltage.

The 3pi robot makes a great platform for people with C programming experience to learn robotics, and it is a fun environment for ambitious beginners to learn C programming. At its heart is an Atmel ATmega168 or ATmega328P microcontroller running at 20 MHz. ATmega168-based 3pi robots feature 16 KB of flash program memory and 1 KB RAM, and 512 bytes of persistent EEPROM memory; ATmega328-based 3pi robots feature 32 KB of flash program memory, 2 KB RAM, and 1 KB of persistent EEPROM memory. The popular, free GNU C/C++ compiler works perfectly with the 3pi, Atmel’s AVR Studio provides a comfortable development environment, and an extensive set of libraries provided by Pololu makes it a breeze to interface with all of the integrated hardware. The 3pi is also compatible with the popular Arduino development platform. We provide a number of sample programs to show how to use the various 3pi components, as well as how to perform more complex behaviors such as line following and maze solving.

The Toshiba TEC BSV4T label printer is a desktop printer that out perform all printers in its class, whilst being extremely competitively priced. Its innovative design and high quality build provides incredible reliability as well as fast and easy handling.

The Star Micronics SP700 series receipt printer offers two models, each with a choice of four communications interfaces, the Star SP712 tear bar receipt printer model, and the Star SP742 auto cutter receipt printer model.

For communications, the Star SP700 series receipt printer is available with either parallel (IEEE1284),serial (RS232C), USB (Universal Serial BUS) or Ethernet interfaces. Aesthetic integration is fostered by the availability of two popular case colors: charcoal/dark gray and beige/putty.

The Star SP700 receipt printer print head contains the latest in print head technology, providing improved response times and increased reliability over previously available technology. This 9-pin print head, allows the Star SP700 series receipt printer to print high-quality graphics and extended characters.

The logic seeking mechanism of the Star Micronics SP700 series receipt printer increases the efficiency of the print mechanism, while also aiding in
improving print speed.

Since Sony’s introduction of the robotic dog “Aibo” last year, it has aroused tremendous interest in the robotic toy industry. The Joinmax initial introduction of a robotic dog with 15 degrees of freedom is aiming to establish a robotic dog platform to provide a more flexible playground for the Robotic Dog
enthusiast community. Through the construction of this robotic dog, one can have a much better understanding of the fundamental concept of a robotic dog’s mechanical architecture and its basic principle of movement. This platform can also support other sensors, such as “sight”, “smell”, “Hearing”, “sensing”, which will be introduced later to make this robotic dog more intelligent and more fun to play with.

Automatic retouching
Saving you hours of manual retouching, QARE Level 3 technology automatically restores scratched, damaged or faded photos to their former glory. It also reduces grain in photos taken on high speed film.

Comprehensive software
A full range of imaging software completes the CanoScan 4400F package. With ArcSoft PhotoStudio, OmniPage SE and Presto!PageManager, you can edit your scanned images with ease, convert paper documents straight into editable files and manage documents with ease. Canon’s ScanGear and CanoScan Toolbox have been upgraded to include better than ever image quality and functionality. The CanoScan 4400F is compatible with both Windows and Mac.

EZ buttons
Offering flexibility and saving you time, seven scan buttons provide one-touch operation of common scan tasks. Customise these to perform the functions you use most: copying, scanning, PDF file creation, or sending to your e-mail program. Four of the buttons are dedicated to scanning straight to PDF, including scanning in colour or mono.

Scan Multi-photos
With Canon's fast Multi-Photo mode, the CanoScan 4400F allows you to scan up to 10 separate images in a single pass, then work on each one separately. Multi-Photo automatically identifies, crops and straightens multiple images, even recognizing the type of original you use (film or photo).Scan thick items
Incorporating an Advanced Z-Lid, the CanoScan 4400F can scan thick documents, books or small items as easily as if they were a single A4 sheet. By keeping even pressure on whatever rests on the glass, the lid ensures the best possible results regardless of the size and shape of your object.

Thursday, August 13, 2009

The Magellan 1000i is an Omnidirectional Imaging Scanner designed for "small-counter" retail environments. This new imaging technology improves checkout productivity by allowing users to scan barcodes in any orientation with a sweeping motion or a presentation style of scanning. The ergonomic design and small size allow for either hands-free scanning for small items or for use as a handheld scanner for large items. To optimize scan time, the tilting stand allows individual users to adjust the scanner to a comfortable scanning position. Additionally, the omnidirectional imaging technology of the Magellan 1000i eliminates misreads and quickly scans hard-to-read and damaged barcodes.

Meet MS7120 ORBIT ! MS7120 ORBIT is small in size, but BIG in performance. MS7120 ORBIT is Metrologic's first Point-of Sale barcode scanner to utilize holographic technology to precisely focus the scanner's laser and therefore increase performance and efficiency. MS7120 ORBIT is perfect for retail applications where counter space is at a premium and its unique contoured design allows it to be picked up to scan large, bulky items.

Radio frequency identification, or RFID, is a generic term for technologies that use radio waves to automatically identify people or objects. There are several methods of identification, but the most common is to store a serial number that identifies a person or object, and perhaps other information, on a microchip that is attached to an antenna (the chip and the antenna together are called an RFID transponder or an RFID tag). The antenna enables the chip to transmit the identification information to a reader. The reader converts the radio waves reflected back from the RFID tag into digital information that can then be passed on to computers that can make use of it.

Is RFID better than using bar codes?
RFID is not necessarily "better" than bar codes. The two are different technologies and have different applications, which sometimes overlap. The big difference between the two is bar codes are line-of-sight technology. That is, a scanner has to "see" the bar code to read it, which means people usually have to orient the bar code toward a scanner for it to be read. Radio frequency identification, by contrast, doesn't require line of sight. RFID tags can be read as long as they are within range of a reader. Bar codes have other shortcomings as well. If a label is ripped or soiled or has fallen off, there is no way to scan the item, and standard bar codes identify only the manufacturer and product, not the unique item. The bar code on one milk carton is the same as every other, making it impossible to identify which one might pass its expiration date first.

Will RFID replace bar codes?
It's very unlikely. Bar codes are inexpensive and effective for certain tasks, but RFID and bar codes will coexist for many years.

Is RFID new?
RFID is a proven technology that's been around since at least the 1970s. Up to now, it's been too expensive and too limited to be practical for many commercial applications. But if tags can be made cheaply enough, they can solve many of the problems associated with bar codes. Radio waves travel through most non-metallic materials, so they can be embedded in packaging or encased in protective plastic for weatherproofing and greater durability. And tags have microchips that can store a unique serial number for every product manufactured around the world.

What is the purpose of RFID?
RFID allows data to be transmitted by a product containing an RFID tag microchip, which is read by an RFID reader. The data transmitted can provide identification or location information about the product, or specify information such as date of purchase or price.

What is the advantage of using RFID technology?
No contact or even line-of-sight is needed to read data from a product that contains an RFID tag. This means no more checkout scanners at grocery stores, no more unpacking shipping boxes, and no more getting keys out of your pocket to start your car. RFID technology can also work in rain, snow and other environments where bar code or optical scan technology would be useless.

Are there any standards for RFID?
Yes. International standards have been adopted for some very specific applications, such as for tracking animals and for smart cards, which require encryption to keep data secure. Many other standards initiatives are under way. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is working on standards for tracking goods in the supply chain using high-frequency tags (ISO 18000-3) and ultra-high frequency tags (ISO 18000-6). EPC global, a joint venture set up to commercialize Electronic Product Code technologies, has its own standards process, which was used to create bar code standards. EPC global has submitted the second-generation UHF EPC protocols to ISO, and it has been approved as ISO 18000-6C, an international standards.

What is the difference between low (LF), high (HF), and ultra-high frequencies (UHF)?
Just as your radio tunes in to different frequencies to hear different channels, RFID tags and readers have to be tuned to the same frequency to communicate. RFID systems use many different frequencies, but generally the most common are low-frequency (around 125 KHz), high-frequency (13.56 MHz) and ultra-high-frequency or UHF (860-960 MHz). Microwave (2.45 GHz) is also used in some applications. Radio waves behave differently at different frequencies, so you have to choose the right frequency for the right application

UHF Applications (860-960MHZ): Supply chain, Tool Tags, RTLS, EPC Case and Pallet
What are the transponder characteristics?
RFID tags are tiny microchips with memory and an antenna coil, thinner than paper and some only 0.3 mm across. RFID tags listen for a radio signal sent by a RFID reader. When a RFID tag receives a query, it responds by transmitting its unique ID code and other data back to the reader. Basically there are 3 kinds of tags- Active, Passive and Semi Passive.

What is the difference between a passive, semi-passive and active RFID?
Active RFID uses an internal power source, such as a battery, within the tag to continuously power the tag and its RF communication circuitry. Active RFID allows extremely low-level RF signals to be received by the tag (since the reader/interrogator does not power the tag), and the tag can generate high-level signals back to the reader/interrogator. Active RFID tags are continuously powered, whether in the reader/interrogator field or not, and are normally used when a longer tag read distance is desired.

Passive RFID relies on RF energy transferred from the reader/interrogator to the tag to power the tag. Passive RFID tags reflect energy from the reader/interrogator or receive and temporarily store a small amount of energy from the reader/interrogator signal in order to generate the tag response. Passive RFID requires strong RF signals from the reader/interrogator, and the RF signal strength returned from the tag is constrained to very low levels by the limited energy. Passive RFID tags are best used when the tag and interrogator will be close to one another.

Semi-passive RFID uses an internal power source to monitor environmental conditions, but requires RF energy transferred from the reader/interrogator similar to passive tags to power a tag response. Semi-passive RFID tags use a process to generate a tag response similar to that of passive tags. Semi-passive tags differ from passive in that semi passive tags possess an internal power source (battery) for the tag's circuitry which allows the tag to complete other functions such as monitoring of environmental conditions (temperature, shock) and which may extend the tag signal range.

What’s the difference between read-only and read/write tags?
Chips in RF tags can be read-write or read-only. With read-write chips, you can add information to the tag or write over existing information when the tag is within range of a reader, or interrogator. Read-write tags are useful in some specialized applications, but since they are more expensive than read-only chips, they are impractical for tracking inexpensive items. Some read-only microchips have information stored on them during the manufacturing process. The information on such chips can never been changed. A more flexible option is to use something called electrically erasable programmable read-only memory, or EEPROM. With EEPROM, the data can be overwritten using a special electronic process.How much information can an RFID tag store?
Tags are available with storage capabilities from 512 bytes to 4MB. It largely depends on vendor and whether the tag is passive or active. Data stored in a tag will be determined by the application of the system and appropriate standards. For example, a tag could provide identification for an item being manufactured, goods in transit, or even the short-range location and identity of a vehicle, animal, or individual. This fundamental data often is referred to as a "license plate code," similar to the information that is stored on a bar code label. When linked to a database, additional information may be accessed through the reader such as item stock number, current location, status, selling price, and batch code. Alternatively, an RFID tag may carry specific information or instructions immediately available upon reading, without the need to reference a database to determine the meaning of a code. For example, the desired color of paint on a car that is entering the paint assembly area on the production line, or a manifest to accompany a shipment of goods.

Transponder, smart label, Tag. What's the difference?
Initially, in the technical field, transponder was the term used to designate an electronic module which is able to Transmit information and respond with information. Recently, different fields in which Radio Frequency Identification is prevalent have developed a new jargon to designate the same thing, such as Smart Label or Tag. "Smart labels" are a particularly innovative form of RFID tag and operate in much the same way. However, a smart label consists of an adhesive label that is embedded with an ultra-thin RFID tag "inlay" (the tag IC plus printed antenna). Smart labels combine the read range and unattended processing capability of RFID with the convenience and flexibility of on-demand label printing. Smart labels also can be pre-printed and pre-coded for use. In on-demand applications, the tag inlay can be encoded with fixed or variable data and tested before the label is printed, while the label can contain all the bar codes, text, and graphics used in established applications. Smart labels are called "smart" because of the flexible capabilities provided by the silicon chip embedded in the tag inlay. A read/write smart label also can be programmed and reprogrammed in use, following initial coding during the label production process.

Can I tag metal objects? Can I tag items that have high-water content?
Yes. Radio waves bounce off metal and are absorbed by water at higher frequencies. While that can make tracking metal objects or those with high water content problematic, well-planned system design and engineering can solve these issues.

What is an RFID reader?
A reader is basically a radio frequency transmitter and receiver, controlled by a microprocessor or digital signal processor. The reader, using an attached antenna, captures data from tags then passes the data to a computer for processing. As with tags, readers come in a wide range of sizes and offer different features. Readers can be affixed in a stationary position (for example, beside a conveyor belt in a factory or dock doors in a warehouse), portable (integrated into a mobile computer that also might be used for scanning bar codes), or even embedded in electronic equipment such as print-on-demand label printers

RFID read-only readers These devices can only query or read information from a nearby RFID tag. These readers are found in fixed, stationary applications as well as portable and handheld varieties.

RFID read-write readers Also known as encoders, these devices read and also write (change) information in an RFID tag. Such RFID encoders can be used to program information into a blank RFID tag. A common application is to combine such a RFID reader with a barcode printer to print smart labels. Smart labels contain a UPC bar code on the front with an RFID tag embedded on the back.

What are the types of antenna characteristics?
- Transmits and receives RF signals
- Typically made of copper or aluminum, new technologies for printed antennas
- Stationary or handheld
- Weather-proof/industrialized
- Fixed or tunable

What are the RFID system considerations?Read distance requirements
- Long read range
- Short read range

Monday, August 03, 2009

SitePlayer HTTP Web Server (SP1/SP1-U/SPK-1) displays dynamic custom- designed web page content based on values stored in its memory. It provides a browser-based display engine for your attached serial device or microprocessor; it's something to use in addition to, or as a substitute for an LCD display. Its Ethernet side requires a standard web browser for HTTP access or a custom program for HTTP and UDP access. Its serial side requires SitePlayer-specific commands from your device to read and write to SitePlayer's memory or to instruct SitePlayer to send a range of its memory out as UDP datagrams.